§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is now in a position to give an indication of the size of the budget for the social fund; and what are the latest figures for current spending on single payments.
§ Mr. NewtonA decision on the size of the social fund budget from April 1988, which must of course take account of various factors including the rates at which the income support levels and premia are set, has yet to be taken. Latest, provisional, information is that expenditure on single payments in the financial year 1985–86 amounted to £336 million.
§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the impact of the management performance bonus on social fund claimants.
§ Mr. NewtonNo such specific assessment has been made; but the experimental performance bonus scheme is intended to give a further incentive to efficient and effective working in all areas of the Department's business. As far as the social fund is concerned, social fund officers will be expected to handle applications for help in accordance with the law and any directions issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and taking proper account of any guidance issued by him.